The biggest mistake Owerri Zone keeps making in its quest for political power is its submissive and reactionary approach. Rather than positioning itself as a formidable political force, it continues to function as a fragmented zone filled with groups that either wait for the governor’s endorsement or beg to have their preferred candidate accepted. This is a weak, undignified approach that guarantees continued marginalization. If Owerri Zone is serious about producing the next governor in 2027, it must stop expecting power to be handed over and start taking decisive steps to claim it.
The first step in this process is to settle the internal micro-zoning conflicts. The endless power struggles between Mbaitoli/Ikeduru, Mbaise, Owerri Federal Constituency, and Ngor-Okpala must be resolved within the zone before any serious political negotiation can take place. No zone that is internally divided can successfully bargain for power. Owerri Zone must narrow down to a strong, widely accepted candidate who will serve as the rallying point for the entire zone. Without unity, there is no credible basis for negotiation with Orlu and Okigwe zones.
A major flaw in the current approach is the existence of disjointed and self-serving political groups that claim to represent Owerri Zone’s interests. Many of these groups have been set up purely for negotiation purposes, often as political bargaining tools for personal gains rather than for the collective development of the zone. These groups must be dissolved immediately. Instead of allowing loosely coordinated APC apologists to hijack the political process, Owerri Zone must form a single, all-encompassing, and all-inclusive movement that transcends party affiliations and truly fights for the zone’s interests. Power is not given; it is taken. A unified front will command respect and compel political actors to engage Owerri Zone seriously.
The zone must also approach negotiations with other zones from a position of strength, not weakness. Once a consensus candidate is chosen, Owerri Zone must present that candidate as a non-negotiable political reality, rather than pleading for recognition. A properly structured political movement will force other zones to recognize Owerri Zone as a legitimate power contender, not a group of desperate lobbyists.
Owerri Zone must learn from the rise of Governor Hope Uzodinma. Uzodinma was not handed power on a platter, he fought for it through powerful strategic alliances, and relentless political maneuvering. No one in Orlu Zone gathered a group to beg for him; he positioned himself, and made himself politically indispensable. Owerri Zone must stop operating like a dependent appendage and start playing politics like a true contender for power.
The time for weak political dependence is over. If Owerri Zone truly wants to produce the governor in 2027, it must abandon the culture of waiting for endorsements and handouts. Instead, it must resolve its internal conflicts, unite behind a single candidate, dissolve all fragmented groups, and engage other zones as an equal power bloc. This is the only way to end years of political subjugation and reclaim the zone’s rightful place in Imo State’s leadership.
Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
Ndukaku III of Ihiagwa
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment